How to Work With a Dog Who Is Aggressive

A dog who shows aggression at times can be very difficult to deal with. This article gives ideas for different situations on how to gradually make that aggression go away.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• small (bite size) treats such as pieces of chicken
• a "clicker" - you can find these at any pet supply store
• collar/harness and a leash

1. The first step to dealing with your dog's aggression is to realize that it's not going to get better overnight. It's going to take some time. If you're willing to commit to the process though, things will get better.

2. You'll want to start the training in areas where there is no stress on your dog, a place where he or she is completely comfortable. For instance, in your home. What you'll do is take a hand full of your small treats and your clicker. Then what you'll do is make a click, then quickly give your dog a treat. Repeat this over and over until the handful of treats is gone. You'll want to keep doing the clicking and treating in the "comfort zone" for at least a few days, or until it seems like your dog is catching on to the process.

3. Next you'll want to move the clicking and treating to a new spot, a place that's still mostly comfortable but may have an occasional stressor. Continue clicking and treating in this place until your dog is catching on again. Next you'll just continue moving the clicking and treating into new spots, continually moving into more stressful situations. At some point in time, your dog will probably react to something while you're clicking and treating. If this happens, stop, take a break, and once your dog has calmed down start the clicking and treating again.

4. If there are specific things that trigger your dog's aggression, such as other dogs or people, make sure that eventually you bring the clicking and treating around these situations. This way eventually your dog will associate the new person or dog coming around with good things happening. The biggest thing to remember is to not get too frustrated. Have patience, and remember not to push your dog too far too fast. The clicking and treating should be a game, not a chore.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to make this fun for your dog! Eventually they should get excited as soon as they see the clicker.
• If your dog is struggling with picking up the training, you may want to speak with your vet about behavioral meds.
• Remember to be careful when putting your dog in a stressful situation, keep them on a tight leash and make sure that no one will be harmed by your dog.